Getting electic shocks from shower fittings? All aspects of plumbing questions and answers, help, tips and information

[barrym]

I have recently re-arranged our on-suite bathroom and made room for a shower unit.
The shower cubicle is tiled through out including the ceiling. I have a sealed spot light in the ceiling (purchased for use in bathrooms and showers).
We have a combi-boiler so I purchased a mains shower instead of an electric shower. I have used well known plastic push fit pipes and copper to plastic valves to connect to the original copper pipes.
Every thing was fine and my family have been using the shower for the last month.
We have now started to get an electric shock off the shower controls, not every time but my family wont use the shower anymore.
I have checked the pipe work and can't find any leaks. I have gone into the loft above the shower and the electric cable and wiring for the shower light is fine. What could be causing the problem? YOur help please.

[bobplum]

hi
have you installed any supplementary bonding in the bathroom
if unsure get an electrican to test system
bob

[barrym]

Hi, I when you mention 'extra bonding' do you mean earth wires.
The original water pipes are earthed but as I was adding plastic pipe work I didn't realise that I needed to earth them. The original earth wires are still there, should I add extra?

[bobplum]

hi
i would get an electrican asap and that way put your mind at ease

[plumbbob]

Whether pipework or fittings are earth bonded or not is irrelevant if there is an electrical fault. Earthing will not stop a fault - just protect people by carrying the electrical current safely away.

It is obviously difficult to earth fittings when plastic pipes have been used, but as most things have no direct electrical connection, earthing is not required.

I don't understand what you mean by a "mains shower". Do you mean a mixer shower from the combi or a electric shower from the cold mains?

There could be a variety of reasons why electrical discharges can be felt. From simply harmless static to an electrical circuit or appliance in the property being faulty. Either way, the house electrics need testing for earth leakage using specialist equipment. It may be the house earthing has failed, and all leakage is going to ground through the shower, or rather should I say, through anyone in the shower.

I am surprised you have not dealt with this problem immediately as there might be a potential risk of someone receiving a lethal electric shock and I strongly recommend your not using the shower until the cause is identified! !

[barrym]

Hi,
The shower is suitable for a combi boiler and is connected to the water supply. We decided against an electric shower.
We are not using the shower and we are waiting for an electrician to check the wiring to the shower light.
Thanks for your help.

[nitro23456]

why not isolate the lighting ciruit and try the shower.... you can eliminate the lights then.

Cat see what else it can be really.